African leaders and senior officials of the African Union have renewed calls for stronger, sustainable, and African-owned financing mechanisms to address the continent’s rising peace and security challenges.
The call was made during a Joint Retreat of senior African Union officials and representatives of member states, where discussions centred on strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) through improved funding frameworks and institutional support.
Speaking at the retreat, the AU High Representative for Financing the Union and the Peace Fund, Donald Kaberuka, said significant progress has been recorded in the capitalization of the African Union Peace Fund since 2018.
Kaberuka noted that member states have continued to demonstrate strong commitment to continental peace and security efforts through increased financial contributions and ongoing institutional reforms aimed at improving efficiency and impact.
According to him, the Peace Fund has made steady progress over the years, with its governance structures now fully operational, while its resource base and credibility as a continental financing instrument continue to strengthen.
He added that the development reflects Africa’s determination to build more independent and reliable mechanisms capable of responding effectively to conflicts, insecurity, and other emerging threats across the continent.
Also speaking at the retreat, Nasir Aminu, who served as Chair of the Peace and Security Council for May 2026 on behalf of Nigeria, called for sustained advocacy for adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing arrangements.
Aminu stressed the need for financing systems that are African-owned and capable of supporting the continent’s peace and security priorities in a timely and effective manner.
He warned that without stable and predictable funding, Africa’s ability to respond quickly to crises and prevent the escalation of conflicts could remain constrained.
The discussions at the retreat took place against the backdrop of growing insecurity, armed conflicts, political instability, terrorism, and humanitarian crises affecting several regions of Africa.
Participants emphasized that strengthening the AU Peace Fund would enhance the continent’s capacity to prevent conflicts, support peace support operations, and respond more swiftly to emerging security threats, while reducing dependence on external funding partners.
The African Union’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration among member states to ensure lasting peace, stability, and security across the continent through stronger institutional coordination and financing reforms.
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